Diplomas are being withheld from an entire class of graduating seniors in a Chicago suburban high school after students allegedly ignored instructions not to throw their caps in the air during Tuesday's commencement ceremony, according to the school's website.
Students at Ridgewood High School in Norridge will have to apologize to the school's board of trustees for their "disrespectful and insubordinate behavior" in order to receive their diplomas, the website stated, according to Chicago Tribune.
"It was the perfect ending to the graduation, but unfortunately we didn't get our diplomas," graduating senior Andre Taraska said.
The class of 2014 had been warned that there would be consequences if graduation caps were thrown in the air, Ridgewood officials said.
According to Chicago Tribune, in the past, people have been hit by caps, according to a blog post by the superintendent. Additionally, the staff goes to "great pains to make the ceremony a dignified event," wrote Superintendent Robert Lupo.
"The gym is decorated; people dress up (some of them)," he wrote. "We expect dignified behavior."
Members of the class are expected to appear at next Wednesday's board meeting and apologize. While the entire class is not required to attend, students will be picked to represent them at the meeting, a note on the school's website states.
"Perhaps it is the final lesson they will take away from high school: there are consequences for behaviors in life. If you are unwilling to face those consequences, perhaps you should rethink your actions," Lupo wrote in his blog.
"To all of the graduates who did not participate in the banned activity: I am sorry that your fellow classmates put you in this position," the superintendent wrote. "If you wish to voice your concerns, you should probably start with them."
Many have come out to disagree with the superintendent's decision. Parent Mary Sticha supports the students.
"It was kind of silly that they would request them not to," Sticha said. "It wasn't a way to disrespect anyone, it was just a way to do something together and celebrate the end of the year."
